By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has admitted Ghana face a stern challenge against Colombia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 encounter.
The West Africans booked their place in the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams despite a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L fixture on Saturday.
It was Ghana’s first loss of the tournament, following a win and a draw in their opening two matches.
Colombia, meanwhile, advanced as Group K winners after holding Portugal to a goalless draw in their final group game.
Queiroz acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead, insisting the World Cup knockout stage demands a higher level of performance and intensity from every team.
“I have just told my players that the real world championship starts in the next round,” Queiroz said after the game against Croatia.
“The group stage is the warming-up and qualification for the next round is like a credit card but now you have to start paying. Everything goes to the winner, every game is drama, nobody can hide.”
Ghana will be up against Colombia at the Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, 5 July.
